Drive-in like in the good old days

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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEOS - When Adolph Huisamen and his family arrived at Carpe Diem School in George on Monday night, 5 October, for the Garden Route International Film Festival (Griff), it took him back many years.

"It was like the old days, watching a movie under the stars," he said. This was his first visit to a drive-in since the 1990s.

The drive-in was one leg of Griff, which runs from 21 September to 11 October and had mostly gone virtual this year in response to Covid-19 limitations.

He was just one of many residents that attended the drive-in on Monday night. While cars were not parked near each other and face masks were at the order of the day, people could buy popcorn and socialised outside their cars before the main show started at 19:30. It seemed if people were enjoying the event because loud laughter could be heard. Some of the younger generation also braved the cold and watched from outside their families' cars.

Huisamen brought along his wife Liesel and their six-year-old twins, Luke and Nathan. He said it brought back good memories of going to the drive-in with his father when he was very young.

Photo gallery: Drive in - good old fashioned entertainment

He was glad that he could share the experience with his kids. They also enjoyed it and he expressed hope that it will take place again. He said it looked if people enjoyed the event. It was noticeable that there were many younger people and that should be welcomed. Liesel said it was a very nice family outing.

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Patrick Walton, organiser of the event, said 20 cars attended on Monday night. Despite the numbers being on the low side, it was still a success. "A lot of the new generation experienced a drive-in for the first time."

He believes the drive-in concept is the future. People want to be outdoor and in the open air. Covid-19 is here to stay. It is a reality people need to face till a vaccine is found.

Walton said in the world people live in today, Covid-19 had a major impact on the way they work and socialise. There is a number of generations that have never been exposed to drive-ins.

Adolph Huisamen took his wife Liesel and their twins Luke and Nathan to experience a drive-in. Photo: Eugene Gunning

He asked people to use the opportunity to attend the remaining shows. Tonight, 8 October, they will be in Plettenberg Bay, tomorrow and Saturday in Knysna and on Sunday in Sedgefield.

They are planning more drive-ins for the future and will try to have shows in the region during November and December.

Find more information at www.gardenrouteinternationalfilmfestival.com.

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